“Of course there was some expectation of going with Michy up front and keeping the style the same, but the manager must have looked at the opposition and spotted their weaknesses.

“On this page last week I suspected there might be a different viewpoint from the manager when I wrote, ‘but remember the likes of Pedro and Eden Hazard are capable of playing through the middle and terrorising big defenders.’

“So I wasn’t totally shocked by the team sheet before the game! Both did exactly what I imagined they would do against the massed ranks of the Bournemouth defence.

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Antonio Conte only gave Michy Batshuayi a final few seconds of action for Chelsea versus Bournemouth

“What it gives us is another option when trying to break down defences and another fear to strike into the hearts of our competitors.”

When Stoke visit Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Eve (3pm), Costa is expected to return to the starting XI, shifting Hazard back out wide and meaning either Pedro or Willian will drop to the bench with Batshuayi.

Chelsea are aiming for a staggering 13th successive Premier League win on Saturday.